Sweeping new rules on stormwater runoff

William Svec, a biologist with the city of San Diego Transportation and Stormwater Department, left, records information while intern Sean Mulderig, right, takes water samples from a storm drain system channeled creek along Murphy Canyon Road. / photo by Howard Lipin * U-T

William Svec, a biologist with the city of San Diego Transportation and Stormwater Department, left, records information while intern Sean Mulderig, right, takes water samples from a storm drain system channeled creek along Murphy Canyon Road. / photo by Howard Lipin * U-T

“They’re simply not availing themselves of the process in place for 12 years,” said Noah Garrison, an attorney for the Natural Resources Defense Council. “The spate of litigation that’s being alluded to just isn’t coming.”

The board also voted to include previous limits on bacterial contaminants in the new permit, but said they may be revised after further scientific review.

Bill Harris, a spokesman for San Diego’s stormwater division, said city officials are worried about the board’s decision but would take the new regulations seriously.

“We worked hard with (water board) staff to craft a path toward improvement,” Harris said. “We’re concerned that the board’s vote will make it hard, if not impossible, for the city to comply with water-quality improvement. We will do everything we can to live up to our obligations.”